Advancing Quality Improvement and Care
What made you consider nursing as a career?
As a child, I had a family member who worked in healthcare and she loved every second of her job. I was impressed with her dedication and always admired her passion to care for others. I knew I wanted to pursue a career allowing me the same passion and desire to care for others.
What set the WVU School of Nursing apart from other colleges for you?
The WVU School of Nursing met my personal and professional needs when I returned to nursing school to first pursue my BSN, then MSN, and finally DNP. WVU SON provided me with the flexibility to further my education by offering online and in-person classes while already working as a registered nurse and taking care of my family.
Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?
Every interaction with the faculty was enjoyable, comfortable, and educational. The faculty is readily available to discuss concerns, give advice, and guide you in a professional manner.
What’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
Go back to school earlier in life and focus on obtaining the DNP terminal degree. The overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment is indescribable.
Could you tell me more about your career?
Upon graduating from nursing school in 1994 with my associates degree in nursing, I practiced in a long-term care facility as a registered nurse for a year. After one year, I advanced into a nurse manager position where I worked for another year. I then decided to leave long-term care and management to pursue acute, inpatient nursing where I accepted a position at West Virginia University Hospital on a medical-surgical and trauma surgery unit in 1997.
Once I completed my advanced degree and obtained my MSN, FNP-BC in 2011, I transitioned into an advanced practice role with trauma and general surgery. I gained a tremendous amount of experience in this role and was able to develop clinical skills, as well as interdisciplinary skills. In 2015, an advanced practice position with otolaryngology was offered. Otolaryngology was a passion from the onset of my career. I accepted the position in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery where I presently work. My clinical focus is in the acute care hospital focusing on head and neck cancer resection and reconstructive surgery, mixed with general otolaryngology.
How has your WVU education helped you in your career?
The WVU School of Nursing has allowed me the opportunity to further my education and expand my scope of practice. The WVU DNP program has given me the opportunity to work on an interdisciplinary level to facilitate best practice and quality improvement programs within the organization I am employed. A few examples that I have participated in include policy and procedure development, nurse education, and nurse residency program development.
What’s next for you?
Next, I have been focusing on advancing quality improvement and care within the facility I work. I have identified potential quality improvement opportunities and initiated such projects. I have been invited to participate in focused education for nurse development in the specialty area of otolaryngology. I have also been invited to present within the DNP program at WVU and would welcome further opportunities to continue this.